Right on cue, the fall color at the top of the Mount Rose Highway near Reno is At Peak. It changed about the same time last year, so we drove up there today, Saturday, September 27, with high expectations. We were not disappointed. We estimate that about 75% of the leaves on the aspen trees seen from atop the highway are either red, orange, or yellow.
Good places to view the color are either: 1) Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop, a mostly flat stroll around the meadow. If you’re coming from Reno the parking lot is on the left, past the turnout for the campground. 2) Tahoe Rim Trail, on the opposite side of the parking lot as the Tahoe Meadows trail.
As you’re driving up the highway from Reno, the color really starts to take off just above 8,000 feet, where oranges and yellow start appearing.
Aspens by Winter’s Creek Turnout
The aspens by the Winter’s Creek Lodge turnout are lagging just a bit behind the trees at the top of the highway. A section of this grove is peaking with orange trees, but trees lower down the hillside are a mixture of green and golden yellow..
Be Careful of Traffic
There are tons of cars driving up and down the highway, so don’t take photos while standing in the road. Park in turnouts on the side of the road where you plan to take photos so you don’t have to cross the street.
Weather Not Cooperating
Weather systems this week are expected to deliver snow above 10,000 feet with rain at lower elevations and some wind. Sunday, September 28 and Wednesday, October 1 will likely be the best days to view fall color, but there’s a chance of thunderstorms on Sunday, and the snow and rain could hang around into Wednesday and beyond. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for the best days to view fall color.
Mount Rose Highway Fall Color Report September 27, 2025
Upper Mount Rose Highway – At Peak (75%)
Winter’s Creek Lodge Turnout –Getting Better (40%), although there is a section of the upper grove that is At Peak.
Sky Tavern – The main grove of aspens is still green. There is some yellow on the hillside above that.
